1L jobs are the jobs in the summer that follow your 1L year. News flash to anyone who is/was unfamiliar with law school like I was, most applications open after your first semester 1L year. Meaning you have to apply to these jobs with only one semester of grades. Personally, I was a little out of practice with studying and after my gap year, I really struggled with test taking. To be honest my first semester of law school grades, as many other students, was not my best work. Law school exams are unlike any other exam you have or will ever take. And the worst part at least to me, is that there are no other cushions in your grade, it is just that one final exam. So if you do not do as well in your first semester of law school to apply for 1L jobs it’s okay, and you are not alone.
Finding a job after 1L is very difficult. Even if you are at the top of your class, many places are not hiring 1Ls. 1Ls in many employers’ eyes don’t know what they want to practice in the future (news flash they are right). However, the number of jobs available depending on where you are attending law school is limited. So, if you are struggling to find a job for 1L summer do not freak out, it’s okay. Most students I knew did not know if they were going to get a job till the end of April (when classes ended in May).
Here are three ways to find jobs for 1L summer:
(1) School Career Fairs
Most schools will offer a career fair for students to attend for jobs for their 1L summer. Please, please, please go to these events. These events are incredible networking opportunities, and even if you do not get a job for this summer, you could make a lasting impression for the following summer. Many of my fellow students found job opportunities at these types of events.
(2) Network, Network, Network.
Reach out to anyone you can asking if they or anyone they know are hiring for the summer. Many students found jobs from family, friends, or previous employers. I was looking enough to find my 1L job from a friend of a friend by asking around.
(3) Regular Job Hunting
Look at job listings online. LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. Research and apply everywhere you can.
Side Note: On Pay
Yes, I know I know, a very taboo subject, but news flash to me, most jobs for your 1L summer are not paid or offer very little pay. However, if your school has externship programs you could get school credit for working. Look into those options early to plan with your school advisors. Realistically you will just have to accept the low pay or no pay for your first summer, but trust me it does get better for your 2L summer. Any legal experience you can get during your 1L summer is extremely helpful and will look great on your resume.
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